My Life Abroad

 

I´m Paul Wubbe

 

In 2019, my wife and I left the Netherlands to follow a different path in life. We moved to Italy without a fixed destination, only a sense that Puglia might be the right place for us.

Over time, Salento revealed itself as a region where the pace of life feels both culturally rich and refreshingly simple.

We started in Martina Franca, lived for three years in the centro storico of Lecce, and eventually settled in the small town of Cavallino.

Like many expats, we experienced the challenges of building a new life abroad.

What we’ve found over time is not about becoming local, but about creating a balance, staying connected to our Dutch roots while embracing the traditions and rhythms of life here in Puglia.

 

Today, we feel at home, grounded in Salento.

 

 

 

Living abroad can look like a clear decision from the outside.

But in reality, it often raises questions you didn’t expect.

Before settling in Italy, I spent over 30 years working internationally as a trainer, consultant, coach, and facilitator.

During my time with KLM, I worked across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This included assignments in Jakarta with Garuda Indonesia, long-term projects with China Airlines in Taipei, and delivering training programmes in the United States.

These experiences required more than professional expertise, they meant adapting quickly to different cultures, ways of working, and expectations.

After leaving KLM, I continued as an independent trainer, consultant, and coach, supporting individuals and teams in navigating cultural differences, improving communication, and developing both personally and professionally.

Looking back, these international experiences form the foundation of how I understand life abroad today, not just from a professional perspective, but on a more personal level as well.

 

Through Grounded Abroad, I share reflections and experiences around expat life.

I also work with expats who want to explore their situation more consciously through conversation, reflection

and practical insight.

If you recognise parts of this, it might be a good moment to pause and reflect on your own experience.

 

Finding your place abroad takes time, but it can also become one of the most enriching parts of the experience.